Reflecting on a year of growth and community at TMU

As we close the 2023-24 academic year, I find myself reflecting on nearly one year in the role of provost and vice-president, academic. It is with immense appreciation that I say being the provost is not just a job to me; TMU is my home and serving this community is what motivates me every single day.

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of attending nearly 100 (and counting) events across our campus and in the community. Connecting with all of you—students, faculty and staff—has been the highlight of my tenure. Whether it has been at a student showcase event, a staff and faculty awards celebration, on a tour of our incredible facilities in Toronto and Brampton or meeting with our community partners, each interaction has reinforced the deep sense of purpose and belonging that I feel here.

Reflecting on our accomplishments over the academic year, I'm particularly proud of the groundwork we have laid for the 2025-30 academic plan. Meeting with 118 groups spanning both the academic and administrative sides of the university and engaging with close to 1,500 individuals have  been enriching experiences, allowing me to truly understand and appreciate the unique strengths and aspirations of the TMU community.

Additionally, launching initiatives such as the Empowering Women in Academia series and the Postdoctoral Fellowships for Black Scholars underscores our institutional commitment to inclusion and belonging. Work at the School of Medicine has also been truly inspiring and rewarding as we continue to make strides towards welcoming our first cohort of medical learners in 2025. We appointed the founding dean, welcomed our first wave of clinical faculty members, established strategic affiliations and community partnerships, and are working towards accreditation for both the MD and residency programs.

Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our responsibility to advance equity, diversity and inclusion at TMU. We continue to prioritize recommendations outlined in the Standing Strong Task Force Report, the 2018 Truth and Reconciliation Community Consultation Report and the Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. I extend my heartfelt thanks to President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi, the deans and vice-provosts, my dedicated team and many community members for their collaboration and dedication throughout this journey.

As we transition into the warmer months, I encourage all students, faculty and staff to find the time to take a rejuvenating break. I hope you find moments of joy, reflection and connection and spend time doing what you love, with those you love.

Warmest thanks,
Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano